MPV Segment - Competitors

20 Aug 2009

Chevrolet Tavera

Launched as a competitor to Toyota's first MPV in the market, the Qualis, the Chevrolet Tavera wasn't really able to make a dent in this segment when it was launched. But this does not reflect on the merits of the Tavera in any way. Based on the internationally sold Isuzu Panther, the Tavera offers comfortable seating, low maintenance and a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that offers a fair amount of refinement and performance. Against its modern competition though, the Tavera lacks the up-market feel that the Innova and the Xylo. Though this has been remedied by recently launched upgrade, the Tavera Neo 2, this MPV is still unfortunately overshadowed by its competitors.

Tata Sumo Grande

The Sumo was Tata's first people carrier, and boy did it take off like a rocket. While the original Sumo was a great commercial success, the company's attempt at shedding this car's rural image and making it more on the lines of an SUV in the form of the Sumo Grande last year hasn't really paid off. While there is no other car which offers that sort of road presence for that price, the Sumo Grande really takes a hit when it comes to overall build quality. The ride is fairly comfortable, but driving dynamics are rather off. Overall, the Sumo Grande doesn't score really high points in any department, and it shows in the sales figures as well.

Mahindra Xylo

The Xylo was a surprise package that came out at the beginning of this year. With the front fascia bearing a strong family resemblance to the company's Scorpio SUV, the Xylo is certainly the most aggressive looking MPV on the market. The Xylo completely changed the rules of the MPV game. It offers class leading space, comfortable seating as well as some clever conveniences like individual A/C vents and reading lights for each seat. Even in terms of performance, the Xylo eclipses its competition and offers all this at a price point significantly lower than the Toyota Innova. The only place where the car takes a hit is in engine refinement and build quality - two areas where the Toyota really manages to outshine the Mahindra.